Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest are still lingering just above the relegation places, and Monday's defeat at Fulham was a disappointing result for them.

I still think Sean Dyche's side are going to be fine, however, and they have definitely made strides since he took charge at the end of October.

This is a tricky game for Manchester City but they are on a bit of a roll at the moment.

I thought Arsenal were going to run away with the title, but not any more.

City are getting better and better as the season goes on, and I can understand why Pep Guardiola feels there is even more to come from his side.

Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden are both flying, they are creating stacks of chances for Erling Haaland and, at the other end, they are keeping clean sheets now too.

You just cannot back against them at the moment, and I am expecting more moments of quality like we saw when they won 3-0 at Crystal Palace a couple of weeks ago.

Sutton's prediction: 0-2

Read the full predictions

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Former Nottingham Forest forward Garry Birtles has been reflecting on his former team-mate John Robertson, following his passing at the age of 72, noting both his extraordinary talent on the pitch and his warmth off it.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Birtles praised Robertson's unique ability to deliver for his fellow players.

"Unbelievably lucky as a striker because you'd be holding it on a wide player delivering the right stuff for you to be able to have a chance of scoring," Birtles said, "and he was an absolute genius at that.

"He never tried to pick you out. He just played the ball into an area that we should be in, and if we weren't there, that was our fault.

"He was one of the best crossers of the ball you've ever seen. They say about David Beckham, but I think Robbo was probably just a bit better than that. He was two footed, a right-footed player really playing on the left-hand side."

Not only did Robertson shine with his talent, but Birtles remembered his personality leaving an impression on his team-mates too

"He was an absolute genius on the pitch and a lovely bloke off it," he added. "He was loved by everybody. He was just a very funny guy off the pitch. He was always telling jokes. He was always singing Rolling Stone songs, word for word. He was just a fun guy to be around.

"But when you got him on the pitch... we played on horrible pitches - mud baths - and he just used to glide across the surface."

Listen to the full discussion from 01'10'00 on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your views on John Robertson's best moments with Nottingham Forest after the former winger passed away on Christmas Day aged 72.

Here are some of your comments:

Paul: 1979 European Cup semi-final first leg. For a player whose football notoriously came from his magical feet, I will never forget his diving header at the Bridgford End, which put us 3-2 up before eventually drawing 3-3. What a player -whenever he had the ball, something was going to happen.

Stuart: My first Forest match was the Anglo-Scottish Cup Final against Leyton Orient. Forest's first trophy under Brian Clough. I was five years old, and Robbo played in it. I didn't know at the time that he was to become my childhood hero, and I was fortunate to see him play at his peak in the 'Miracles' team between 1977 and 1981. I have watched some truly great players at Forest over the nearly 50 years I have supported them, but no one will ever be close in my eyes to Robbo. He was the best ever. The GOAT."

Martin: The way Robbo turned defenders inside out, no matter who they were, made him a fan favourite and he always had time to speak to you, no matter what. Absolute legend.

Robert: A true legend. Watching John and the Forest team of the late '70s and early '80s punctuated my happy childhood. Those warm memories of Robbo weaving his magic on the left wing will always be special. It was great to see John in the early 00s reunited with Martin O'Neill, having great success together.

Steve: Quite simply, our best ever player. In the three key seasons - 77-78, 78-79 and 79-80 he played every minute of every game in all competitions. 181 games! Delivered vital goals and assisted in all the games that mattered. Genius and legend.

Kevin: Seeing him score the goal that won us the European Cup for the second time. What a night in Madrid. Memories!

David: What a player. In 1979, he sent over the ball for Trevor Francis to head in at the far post, then a year later he went on a mazy run to score the winner as he retained the Cup. Still, the last English side to win it back-to-back, which just underlines what a special player he was. The Picasso of our beautiful game.

Image source, Getty Images

The news of John Robertson's passing has left a huge sense of sadness around the City Ground and far beyond.

From his brilliance on the left wing to the decisive goals on the biggest European nights, Robertson gave Nottingham Forest fans memories that generations still talk about today. His impact went far beyond trophies - he embodied the spirit, humility and pride of the club.

A true Forest great.

As tributes pour in, we want to hear from you - what are your favourite memories of the man who defined an era at the City Ground?

Tell us here

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Forest could do with some anonymity in the Premier League after what was a chaotic start to the season.

That may seem perverse but for Forest to go under the radar, allowing Sean Dyche to slowly build, would be perfect following two-and-a-half rollercoaster seasons.

Of course there will be expectation from owner Evangelos Marinakis for Forest to challenge for Europe again - especially with the £180m outlay in the summer - but a bit of stability for a time would be welcome.

They have won six of their last nine games in all competitions so the consistency is coming under Dyche - the 3-0 defeat at Everton and Monday's 1-0 loss at Craven Cottage aside - but remain in trouble.

It proves Forest cannot afford to have too many nights like the one in west London. There is a five-point gap to the bottom three, but that can quickly change over Christmas and new year with the volume of games.

Having Chris Wood [knee] and Ola Aina [hamstring] available again would also give them an additional boost, with the pair having been sidelined since October and September respectively.

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester City at the City Ground (kick-off 12:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Ola Aina is "progressing well" in his recovery from a hamstring injury but is still rebuilding his fitness. He played for the B team on Monday night and came through the match "fine and injury-free". It is "another step forward" for the defender.

• On the lack of intensity and urgency shown in the defeat to Fulham, Dyche said: "You have to park these things pretty quickly. We did well overall, we weren't a million miles off. It wasn't the intensity we showed in the Tottenham game or out in Utrecht though."

• He added: "The game was a bit flat in general. Our fans were terrific, they were trying to get the team going, as was I. Sometimes the hardest thing is when everyone is having a bit of a down day."

• It is "unlikely" that he will be weighing his players, like Pep Guardiola, before the Manchester City game. He joked: "Is he weighing himself, do you think? One rule for one - come on, Pep!"

• He explained his philosophy around the festive period: "I just look for my players to have a bit of common sense. I don't mind them having a Christmas dinner, why not?" He believes "psychology is important as anything with athletes" and Christmas Day is "a big part" of life.

• Fitness is "very important" but he isn't "obsessed over weights". He will "encourage" his players to "enjoy" the festivities, especially because they don't play until 27 December.

• On opposition manager Guardiola, Dyche said: "It is fantastic what he has achieved, there's no two ways about it. Only Sir Alex Ferguson probably tops him. He has done massive things for himself, his players and football in general."

• The Reds will be hoping Manchester City are "having a quiet day" when they visit the City Ground. However, Forest will still need to play "very well" because they are facing a team who are "always prepared".

• Dyche added: "It's unlikely we are going to dominate the ball, so we have to be defensively sound and do all the hard yards."

• Nottingham Forest's Premier League win-loss-win-loss-win-loss form "will do" this season, "if it keeps going". He explained: "If you do the stats, if that carried on for the whole season then it would equal a pretty good situation."

• However, the biggest thing for Dyche is the team "finding consistency" - whether that be in terms of their "training schedule or performances" - but he recognises that will take time.

• He is predicting a "slow" January transfer window because of the club's investment in the summer. On the other hand, he added: "The club have shown that if players become available at the right times, they can make things happen - so you never know."

Hear more from Dyche on BBC Sounds

Follow all of Tuesday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are all eyeing Ajax's 22-year-old Dutch defender Youri Baas. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Pat Riddell
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It's often pretty clear what Nottingham Forest need from a transfer window. This time around, less so. After a summer splurge of almost £200m, the squad is well-stocked but there's definitely room for some tinkering.

Barring a big sale in January - which is highly unlikely mid-season - then Elliot Anderson, Murillo and Morgan Gibbs-White will surely remain at the City Ground until after next summer's World Cup. Hopefully longer to be honest, but while PSR is not an issue now it will come knocking again one day.

Sean Dyche has not had a full squad to pick from since arriving in October and it might feel like he has several new signings when the likes of Ola Aina, Chris Wood and Dilane Bakwa return from injury. Juggling the demands of the Premier League and the Europa League will require as many available players as possible, particularly with the FA Cup kicking off soon.

Jair Cunha had an assured debut at Newcastle United in October but hasn't appeared since. However, Dyche is still likely to be assessing the squad and several of those new additions are getting used to the club and the manager - so perhaps it's unlikely any of those fringe players will go out on loan, despite rumours about Arnaud Kalimuendo and James McAtee.

Dyche has been linked with Everton winger Dwight McNeil, with the reunion offering strength on the left side of the pitch, and given that loanee Oleksandr Zinchenko has struggled for fitness then cover at left-back is also a likely possibility. With just two loan players in the squad, it might be that we add reinforcements that way.

The January window is rarely a good time to bring in long-term targets, but the Reds hate to waste an opportunity and George Syrianos - newly promoted to sporting director - will no doubt have his eye on a few players, as will global head of football Edu.

Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external

We asked for your thoughts after Monday's Premier League game between Fulham and Nottingham Forest.

Here are some of your comments:

Fulham fans

James: Jimenez never misses from the penalty spot! It was a very evenly matched and well battled game. It wasn't great to watch but all that matters is that they got the winning goal and the three points.

Terry: We looked lightweight at times against a Forest side who played some very nice football, and only a fantastic effort from our defence kept them out. An ugly game, but three vital points.

Dan: Solid win for Fulham and shows squad depth we have this year. We need to talk about Kevin!

Will: Definitely won't win any game of the seasons nominations but a very important three points to move us towards the top 10. Raul cool as ice as per usual.

Forest fans

Jon: Awful performance. No quality and no idea how to break Fulham down. The subs came on and killed the game. Does Dyche really think bringing McAtee and Awoniyi on will work? Both terrible! Will be a relegation battle all the way.

Austin: Really poor from Forest against a weakened Fulham. So many misplaced passes and overhit crosses. No real intensity. Even Anderson was very poor. We have to do better away from home or we will stay in a relegation fight all season.

Tom: That was intensely disappointing. Never looked likely to come back from the penalty. The lack of goal threat was worrying, with 30-yard shots not going to do it.

James: I dream of the day we will beat either Fulham or Bournemouth...

Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche spoke to Sky Sports after the match against Fulham: "We got into good moments, but never really threatened - you have to ask more questions. Our goalkeeper has not had a save to make, apart from their penalty.

"Just disappointed, we had looked a threat [against Tottenham] but tonight we didn't when we got into the final third. Sometimes it is just a frustrating night. There was not much in the game, I don't think it was a particularly good game but you have to get something from it and we weren't able to.

"They got praise rightly for a big performance last week, but that edge, that killer instinct was not there tonight and it's a reminder if you're not at it it will go against you.

"We want to win as many games as we can and it was a good opportunity tonight. It would've been a good point. We didn't do enough to lose the game so that's the frustration. We have to do the basics better."

Did you know? Nottingham Forest have failed to score in four of their last six away Premier League games and in five of their last eight, after finding the back of the net in each of their eight on the road before that.

Keifer MacDonald
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

After a near perfect start to the Sean Dyche era at the City Ground, including progression to the knockout stage of the Europa League, this was something of a reality check for Nottingham Forest.

Four wins from nine Premier League games since the 54-year-old's appointment two months ago had lifted Forest out of the relegation zone in time for Christmas - something that seemed improbable after one win, and the sackings of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou, eight games into the season.

But despite sitting five points clear of 18th-placed West Ham, Forest will know they are not out of the woods yet - and that is why this defeat will feel like a massive opportunity missed.

The visitors were second best for large parts of the game at Fulham but could have fired themselves ahead within 10 minutes if Igor Jesus had controlled his finish after a neat play from Morgan Gibbs-White and Neco Williams.

Despite possessing so much quality going forwards, in particular Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi, Forest finished with just two shots on target and an xG of 0.60 against a side who conceded nine goals in their three previous Premier League games.

During his time at Burnley and Everton, defensive discipline was at the heart of Dyche's plans - but to pull Forest away from the relegation zone once and for all, he will have to squeeze more out of his side's array of attacking talent.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Fulham's performance

What did you make of Nottingham Forest's display?

Come back on Tuesday for a selection of your replies

Fulham manager Marco Silva has made just one change to the side that was defeated by Newcastle United in the League Cup quarter-final last week, with goalkeeper Bernd Leno starting in place of Benjamin Lecomte.

Silva is, of course, without Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, who are representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Fulham XI: Leno, Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Berge, Lukic, Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin, Jimenez

Subs: Lecomte, Reed, King, Traore, Kusi-Asare, Diop, Castagne, Ridgeon, Cairney

Like the hosts, Forest are also impacted by Afcon, with Ibrahim Sangare, a scorer against Tottenham Hotspur last week, representing Ivory Coast.

It means Luiz replacing Sangare is the only change for the Midlanders.

Nottingham Forest XI: Victor, Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo,Williams; Luiz, Anderson; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White,Hudson-Odoi, Igor Jesus.

Subs: Sels, Morato, Awoniyi, Kalimuendo, Domínguez, McAtee, Bakwa, Zinchenko, Abbott.

Fulham are another team who I usually fancy to win at home, but they have been depleted by Afcon call-ups.

Samuel Chukwueze has been a really good impact player recently but Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey have been the heartbeat of Marco Silva's side this season, and all three will be missed.

As for Nottingham Forest, they are on fire with six wins in eight games in all competitions. Maybe 'Dyche-ball' is going under the radar a bit, because they are doing very well.

Bassey got the winner in this fixture last season but, as I mentioned, he is not here and this is a very different Forest side too.

I can see this being a very tight affair. I was looking for a reason to say my boyhood team Forest will win, but Harry Wilson will score for Fulham and they can't keep a clean sheet, so it has 1-1 written all over it.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Henry Cowling
BBC Sport journalist

Just two points separate Fulham and Nottingham Forest heading into their meeting at Craven Cottage on Monday. BBC Sport looks at some of the key themes going into the match.

Historically, Fulham have enjoyed facing Nottingham Forest in the Premier League – they have won five of the six encounters in the competition, including all three at home. Their win rate of 83% is the highest against any side they have faced more than twice in the Premier League.

Monday night misery

However, the kick-off slot for this fixture is not one Fulham have enjoyed in recent years.

The Cottagers have lost seven of their past nine Monday night games in the Premier League, including their most recent against Bournemouth in April. They have, though, won their past two Monday night home games – against Wolves and Brentford.

The Cottagers have been strengthened by the return of attacking full-back Antonee Robinson, who made his first Premier League start of the season last weekend after recovering from a knee injury.

Robinson also started in Fulham's EFL Cup quarter-final defeat at Newcastle in midweek, setting up Sasa Lukic for an equaliser.

It was Robinson's 17th assist for Fulham since the start of the 2023-24 season – the only Premier League defender with more in that time is Tottenham's Pedro Porro, with 19.

With Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi now away for the Africa Cup of Nations, head coach Marco Silva may look to Robinson to help the in-form Harry Wilson with creativity going forward.

Creative Callum

Wingers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga were crucial to Nottingham Forest's success last season, causing problems for opposition teams down both flanks.

Elanga departed this summer in a £55m deal to join Newcastle, leaving Hudson-Odoi as the experienced wing option alongside summer signings Omari Hutchinson, Dan Ndoye and Dilane Bakwa.

Hudson-Odoi's playing time has been restricted this season, with heavy rotation on the wings amid Forest's instability because of their managerial situation.

Despite his limited minutes, Hudson-Odoi has still impressed and his first 90 minutes in over a month resulted in a double against Spurs last week – his first goals since August.

He ranks among the top wingers in the league per 90 minutes in some metrics, including chances created from open play – where no other winger with a minimum of 500 minutes has more.

With wingers crucial to his 4-2-3-1 system, Forest head coach Sean Dyche will be hoping Hudson-Odoi can continue to kick on and provide more attacking output throughout the busy festive period.

BBC Radio Nottingham commentator Colin Fray believes Nottingham Forest have regained a vital sense of "togetherness".

Speaking to the Shut Up And Show More Football podcast, Fray reviewed Forest's dramatic 2025, a year in which three different managers have taken charge of the club.

The side also won three penalty shootouts on the way to their first FA Cup semi-final since 1991 and dominated headlines even during the off-season with the question of which European competition they would compete in for 2025-2026.

After a rocky start to the campaign, Sean Dyche has steadied the ship on both competition fronts, and Fray says positivity has returned to the City Ground.

"There's optimism," Fray said. "There's unity. In some parts of this year, there certainly hasn't been.

"One of the things that has propelled Forest on their journey over the course of the last four or five seasons is that sense of togetherness.

"It feels like that's coming back - though it has been fractured at times in this up and down year."

Image source, Getty Images

After ending four successive matchdays in the relegation zone and a demoralising home defeat to Midtjylland, things were looking bleak for Forest fans.

But since Dyche succeeded Ange Postecoglou, they are undefeated in the Europa League, and have broken free of the Premier League drop zone.

"Things are looking up," Fray told the Shut Up and Show More Football podcast.

"The top eight finish in the Europa League is in Forest's hands.

"The recovery job by [Sean] Dyche and his staff has been excellent. They've got a five-point cushion from the bottom three, but it only needs one matchday to go wrong and suddenly you're two points clear.

"So there's still an awful lot to do Premier League wise but they're going in the right direction."

Listen to the full episode here

Explore all Nottingham Forest content on BBC Sounds

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Morgan Gibbs-White insists he must forget about a return to the England squad and focus on Nottingham Forest.

The midfielder was left out of Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions squad last month with the countdown to next year's World Cup now on.

He has impressed since Sean Dyche took over at Forest in October, scoring four times in Dyche's opening six games.

Gibbs-White has six caps for England, playing most recently against Wales in October, but he now faces a fight to reach the summer World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.

"Every player wants to be playing for their country. It's all down to me and all I can do is focus on my performances at club level and helping the team out as much as I possibly can," he told BBC Sport.

"That's where my head is at right now, focusing on Forest and focusing on getting us back up to the table and where we need to be."

Forest are 16th in the Premier League after Sunday's dominant 3-0 win over Tottenham lifted them five points clear of the relegation zone.

The have lost just three times in 12 games in all competitions under Dyche and go to Fulham on Monday.

"As a group, we believe in each other and we're not looking down, we're looking ahead and who we can chase," Gibbs-White said. "It's all about putting the points on the table.

"We're not looking too far ahead or behind, all we're focused on is the next game. That's all we can do, to try to get better as a team, the next performance and the next performance.

"Last weekend's was the pinnacle of our performances and going forwards that needs to be the minimum."

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Nottingham Forest FC

Nottingham Forest defender Murillo admits visiting young patients in hospital at Christmas "broke his heart".

The centre-back was among a number of players to visit children at the Queen's Medical Centre.

Forest are also running food bank donations, players are volunteering at the Hot Meal Mission in Nottingham and they are also hosting a children's Christmas party and one for Warriors United, a Nottinghamshire-based learning disability football team.

It is part of Forest's Home for Christmas campaign, which was launched last year by owner Evangelos Marinakis to support the club's local community.

"It's important for everyone, when everyone sees us they are so happy," said Murillo.

"It's special for me because I have a daughter, when I saw everyone it broke my heart but I know I gave them a little bit of happiness."

Striker Chris Wood was also at the hospital in Nottingham and knows it is in the club's culture to connect with the community.

"It's nice to give back and have a bit of interaction, a bit of Christmas cheer," said the New Zealand international.

"It's massively important us players want to get involved and give our part back to the community. Nottingham Forest, Mr Marinakis and his family like to do this and have the wider community, which we can go out and experience and give back to."

Image source, Nottingham Forest FC